Honor Stewart's Shops Award

2016 WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in the communities across New York State is reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the advancement of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Stewart's Shops upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Advancement of Women in the WERCplace Award by the Capital District Women's Employment & Resource Center, to be celebrated at its 12th Annual Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, Hilton Garden Inn, Troy, New York; and WHEREAS, The Women's Employment & Resource Center (WERC) is a not-for-profit organization which assists women in improving significant self-attributes in order to successfully rejoin the workforce; every year, this vital organization provides services to at least 300 women in the Capital District; and WHEREAS, The Advancement of Women in the WERCplace Award is presented to an organization in recognition of its long-standing efforts to remove barriers which keep women from achieving financial independence and success; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1945, Stewart's Shops is an employee and family-owned convenience store chain based in Saratoga Springs, New York; for over seven decades, the business has offered milk, ice cream, coffee, easy food, gasoline, and convenience items to its loyal customers; and WHEREAS, Today, there are over 330 Stewart's Shops located in 31 counties across upstate New York and southern Vermont; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, Stewart's Shops has created a culture which allows women to thrive and provides many opportunities for women to be promoted to management positions; currently, 3,500 women are employed throughout their shops, manufacturing plant, distribution center, and corporate offices; notably 50% of Shop Managers and 85% of Assistant Shop Managers are women; and WHEREAS, The people who work at Stewart's Shops are heavily invested in the company's success; these employees are called partners because they own nearly 40% of the company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); this level of ownership allows for a sense of pride, involvement, and long term security; and WHEREAS, Stewart's Shops are also committed to the communities it serves; the shops and related family foundations support local charities, donating significant funds annually; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by a company for the benefit of others which Stewart's Shops has displayed throughout its long and sustained history; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Stewart's Shops upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Advancement of Women in the WERCplace Award from the Capital District Women's Employment & Resource Center; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Stewart's Shops.